The Nice Advice, by Leah Albert

Dear Leah,

I’m in a rut. I’m exhausted all the time and nothing excites me anymore. I think I’m in need of a life recharge and one that doesn’t cost a lot of money. Any suggestions?

— Recharge Me!

 

Dear Recharge!,

I know January is the typical time for resolutions, do-overs and detoxes, but I often find myself in need of those things throughout the year, usually around the time seasons change. I think it’s normal for people to get stuck in ruts and to be in need of a recharge for a variety of reasons: work, family, relationships — you name it. Here are some of my favorite recharge options:

Turn off your computer, smartphone or tablet at least one hour before bed. You’ll sleep soundly and wake up rested, not stressed. According to mayoclinic.org, some research suggests that screen time or other media use before bedtime interferes with sleep.

Send your grandparents a handwritten note, give your sister a call or tell a coworker face-to-face they’re doing a great job. Reaching out to others in more traditional methods can emphasize how much you care and recharge relationships that may have been left to the wayside due to the busyness of life.

Take out anything in your closet that makes you feel less than awesome and donate it. I believe our self-esteem takes a hit every morning when faced with clothing options that either don’t fit, don’t flatter or are just plain uncomfortable. De-clutter your closet and give yourself a boost of self-confidence at the same time.

Cut out processed food for a few days. Focus on whole foods, which is basically food in its natural state. Think fruits, vegetables and whole grains. And ramp up your water intake. Giving yourself a break from added sugars, fats and ingredients you can’t spell or pronounce will have an impact on how you look, feel and act. Spread the whole foods love by organizing a picnic or meal with friends or family. Great food and conversation is always a mood-boosting combination.

Get outside! Fresh air can clear your head and help you gain some perspective. Take a walk, hike, bike ride, jog, golf, swim, whatever you like. Invite a friend or two along as well. Exercise also improves your mood. According to mayoclinic.org, physical activity stimulates various brain chemical that may leave you feeling happier and more relaxed.

Check expiration dates and throw out any products past their prime. Do you find that your medicine cabinet quickly gets overcrowded? Mine does; it’s horrible. Between new creams for this, new lotions for that and my undying belief that a new lipstick will change everything, every couple of months my medicine cabinet starts to spit things back out at me. Check the expiration dates on the products you buy, or, better yet, write the expiration date on the products yourself so you know when to get rid of them. Here are some general rules of thumb:

• Anti-aging and acne treatments: Three months to one year

• Body lotion: Two to three years

• Mascara: Three to four months

• Lipstick and lip gloss: Two to three years

• Foundation: About two years

• Perfume: About two years

• Hairstyling products: Three to five years

Now, all of this being said, your feelings of exhaustion and apathy may be more than just temporary. Try out some of my suggestions, but if they don’t seem to make a difference and your negative feelings don’t go away, I’d recommend checking in with your doctor. Something else more serious might be going on.

Thanks to my friends at realsimple.com and mayoclinic.org for the stats included in this column!

Leah Albert is a fictitious character. She likes wine and writing. Don’t ask her to be a matchmaker. Do send your questions to Leah at theniceadviceleahalbert@gmail.com.